Johnny Tahu Cooper (23 July 1929 – 3 September 2014), also known as The Maori Cowboy,[1] was a pioneering New Zealand rock and roll musician and entrepreneur. His cover of "Rock Around the Clock", a song popularised by Bill Haley & His Comets, is considered to be the first rock and roll song recorded in New Zealand. His 1955 single, "Pie Cart Rock 'n' Roll", was the first original rock song recorded and released in New Zealand.[2][3] His song, "Look What You've Done", was covered by Johnny Devlin and became a national favourite, appearing in the 1994 film Once Were Warriors.

Johnny Cooper
Background information
Birth nameTahu Cooper
Also known asThe Maori Cowboy
Born(1929-07-23)23 July 1929
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Died3 September 2014(2014-09-03) (aged 85)
Naenae, New Zealand
GenresCountry, rock and roll
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1950–1968
LabelsHis Master's Voice

References

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  1. ^ "The birth of Kiwi rock 'n' roll". New Zealand History. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Maori Cowboy a Kiwi rock'n'roll pioneer". Stuff. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  3. ^ Bourke, Chris (22 October 2020). "Johnny Cooper". AudioCulture. Retrieved 21 January 2022.